BACKGROUND: Appropriate self-management (SM) is crucial in controlling epilepsy and improving self-efficacy, medication adherence and avoidance of seizure triggers in patients with epilepsy (PWE. The aim of this study was to evaluate SM and its predictors among adult PWE in Iran.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021. The participants were 335 adult PWEs that were selected from healthcare settings in Hamadan, Iran. Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS) was used to measure patients' self-management behaviors. Data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: The mean score of SM was 114.37±11, indicating moderate level of SM, and the mean scores of SM in the medication management, seizure management, and safety management subscales were significantly more than the mean scores of the other subscales (P < 0.05). Age, place of residence, marital status, seizure type, seizure frequency, and epilepsy duration significantly predicted 53% of the variance of SM (adjusted R square = 0.532).

CONCLUSION: PWEs have moderate SM and need SM-related education, particularly about lifestyle management and information management. Predictors of SM should be considered to boost SM practice.

KEYWORDS: Self-management, Epilepsy, Seizures, Predictors